Worldwide there was a growing trend towards the recognition of Chiropractic, but little was known of this recognition in South Africa. However, with regards to the Western Region of Johannesburg, it was unclear how the medical profession viewed Chiropractic and how effective they viewed Chiropractic in the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. This study attempted to establish how medical doctors viewed Chiropractic and to determine how Chiropractors compared to physiotherapists in the opinion of the medical profession in the treatment of common neuromusculoskeletal conditions. A questionnaire was hand-delivered to the consulting rooms of each general practitioner, orthopedic surgeon and neurologist/neurosurgeon in the Western Region of Johannesburg. The researcher with the aid of a statistical consultant drew up the questionnaire. The data was analysed using the SPSS 13 (2005), SPSS Incorporated, Chicago using descriptives and frequencies. To compare Chiropractic treatment to physiotherapy, statistical significance was calculated using a Paired Samples Test (T-Test). The results of this study found that the doctors had a positive view of Chiropractic as a profession. When comparing Chiropractic to physiotherapy, statistical analysis revealed that physiotherapy was seen as more effective. Physiotherapists were also more likely to receive referrals from medical doctors than Chiropractors. The results of this study were in accordance with worldwide trends in that Chiropractic was growing in recognition and was viewed as beneficial in the health care system. However, more education of the medical profession with regards to Chiropractic and more research comparing Chiropractic effectiveness compared to physiotherapy were needed. / Dr. M. Moodley Dr. J. Mitchell
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:4403 |
| Date | 01 September 2008 |
| Creators | Ratzeburg, Brenda |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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